2005 DODGE DAKOTA light

When additional traction is required, the 4HI and 4LO
positions can be used to lock the front and rear drive-
shafts together through the transfer case inter-axle differ-
ential and force the front and rear wheels to rotate at the
same speed. This is accomplished by rotating the 4WD
Control Switch to these positions. The 4HI and 4LO
positions are intended for loose, slippery road surfaces
only. Driving in the 4HI and 4LO positions on dry hard
surfaced roads may cause increased tire wear and dam-
age to the driveline components.
The transfer case Neutral (N) position is selected by
depressing the recessed button located on the lower left
hand corner of the 4WD Control Switch.
NOTE:The transfer case Neutral (N) position is to be
used for recreational towing only. (See Recreational Tow-
ing section for specific procedures on shifting into and
out of Neutral (N).Transfer Case Position Indicator Lights
Transfer case position indicator lights are located on the
instrument cluster. If there are no indicator lights on or
flashing the transfer case position is all-wheel drive
(AWD). If an indicator light is on, the desired position
(4HI or 4LO) has been met.
If One or More Shift Requirements are not Met
1. An indicator light will flash until conditions are met.
2. The transfer casewill notshift.
NOTE:Before retrying a selection, make certain that all
the necessary requirements for selecting a new transfer
case position have been met. To retry the selection, turn
the control knob back to the current position, wait five (5)
seconds, and retry selection. To find the shift require-
ments, refer to theShifting Procedurefor your transfer
case, located in this section of the owner’s manual.
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The SERVICE 4WD warning light monitors the electric
shift 4WD system. If this light remains on after engine
start up or illuminates during driving, it means that the
4WD system is not functioning properly and that service
is required.
WARNING!
Always engage the parking brake when powering
down the vehicle if theSVC 4WDlight is illumi-
nated. Not engaging the parking brake may allow
the vehicle to roll which may cause personal injury.
NOTE:Do not attempt to make a shift while only the
front or rear wheels are spinning. The NV244 transfer
case is not equipped with a synchronizer and therefore
the front and rear driveshaft speeds must be equal for theshift to take place. Shifting while only the front or rear
wheels are spinning can cause damage to the transfer
case.
When operating your vehicle in 4LO, the engine speed is
approximately three times that of the AWD or 4HI
positions at a given road speed. Take care not to over-
speed the engine and do not exceed 25 mph (40 km/h).
Proper operation of 4 wheel drive vehicles depends on
tires of equal size, type and circumference on each wheel.
Any difference in tire size can cause damage to the
transfer case.
Because 4 wheel drive provides improved traction, there
is a tendency to exceed safe turning and stopping speeds.
Do not go faster than road conditions permit.
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Shifting Procedure - NV244 Transfer Case
NOTE:If any of the requirements to select a new
transfer case position have not been met, the transfer case
will not shift.The indicator light for the previous position
will remain ON and the newly selected position indicator
light will continue to flash until all the requirements for
the selected position have been met. To retry a shift:return the control knob back to the original position,
make certain all shift requirements have been met, wait
five (5) seconds and try the shift again.
AWD to 4HI or 4HI to AWD
Rotate the 4WD Control Switch to the desired position.
Shifts between AWD and 4HI can be done with the
vehicle stopped or in motion. With the vehicle in motion,
the transfer case will engage / disengage faster if you
momentarily release the accelerator pedal after turning
the control switch. If the vehicle is stopped the ignition
key must be in the ON position with the engine either
RUNNING or OFF. This shift cannot be completed if the
key is in the accessory position.
NOTE:On vehicles equipped with a Anti-Lock Brake
Systems, the 4x4 system will not allow shifts between
AWD/ 4HI if the rear wheels are spinning (no traction).
In this situation an indicator light will flash until condi-
tions are met. At this time, reduce speed and stop
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spinning the wheels to complete the shift. There may be
a delay up to 10 seconds for the shift to complete after the
wheels have stopped spinning.
NOTE:Delayed shifting out of the 4HI position may be
experienced due to uneven tire wear, low tire pressure, or
excessive loading.
4HI to 4LO or 4LO to 4HI
NOTE:When shifting into or out of 4LO some gear
noise may be heard. This noise is normal and is not
detrimental to the vehicle or occupants.
Shifting can be performed with the vehicle rolling 2-3
mph (3-5 km/h) or completely stopped. USE EITHER OF
THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURES:
Preferred Procedure
1. With engine RUNNING, slow vehicle to 2-3 mph (3-5
km/h).2. Shift the transmission into NEUTRAL (depress clutch
on manual transmissions).
3. Ensure ignition key is in the ON position with the
engine either RUNNING or OFF. While still rolling,
rotate the transfer case control switch to the desired
position.
4. After the desired position indicator light is ON (not
flashing), shift transmission back into gear (release clutch
on manual transmissions).
Alternate Procedure
1. Bring the vehicle to complete stop.
2. With the key ON and the engine either OFF or
RUNNING, shift the transmission into NEUTRAL (de-
press clutch on manual transmissions).
3. Rotate the transfer case control switch to the desired
position.
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4. After the desired position indicator light is ON (not
flashing), shift transmission back into gear (release clutch
on manual transmissions).
NOTE:If steps 1 or 2 of either the Preferred or Alternate
Procedure are not satisfied prior to attempting the shift or
if they no longer are being met while the shift attempt is
in process, then the desired position indicator light will
flash continuously while the original position indicator
light is ON, until all requirements have been met.
NOTE:The ignition key must be ON for a shift to take
place and for the position indicator lights to be operable.
If the key is not ON then the shift will not take place and
no position indicator lights will be on or flashing.LIMITED-SLIP REAR AXLE DIFFERENTIAL— IF
EQUIPPED
The limited-slip differential provides additional traction
on snow, ice, mud, sand and gravel. It improves traction
when there is a difference between the characteristics of
the surface under the right and left rear wheels. During
normal driving and cornering, the limited-slip unit is
similar to a conventional differential. But on a slippery
surface, the differential delivers more of the driving effort
to the wheel having the better traction.
WARNING!
On vehicles equipped with a limited-slip differen-
tial, never run the engine with one rear wheel off the
ground. The vehicle may drive through the rear
wheel remaining on the ground and cause you to
lose control of the vehicle.
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NOTE:The instrument cluster brake warning light
indicates only that the parking brake is applied. You must
be sure the parking brake is fully applied before leaving
the vehicle.
When parking on a hill, turn the front wheels toward the
curb on a downhill grade and away from the curb on an
uphill grade.
The parking brake should be applied whenever the
driver is not in the vehicle.WARNING!
•Always fully apply the parking brake when leav-
ing your vehicle, or vehicle may roll and cause
damage or injury. Also be certain to leave an
automatic transmission in Park. Failure to do so
may cause the vehicle to roll and cause damage or
injury.
•Be sure the parking brake is fully disengaged
before driving, failure to do so can lead to brake
failure and an accident.
•Leaving children in a vehicle unattended is dan-
gerous for a number of reasons. A child or others
could be injured. Children should be warned not
to touch the parking brake or the gear selector
lever. Don’t leave the key in the ignition. A child
could operate power windows, other controls, or
move the vehicle.
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BRAKE SYSTEM
In the event power assist is lost for any reason (for
example, repeated brake applications with the engine
off), the brakes will still function. The effort required to
brake the vehicle will be significantly increased over that
required with the power system operating.
If either the front or rear hydraulic system loses normal
capability, the remaining system will still function with
some loss of braking effectiveness. This will be evident by
increased pedal travel during application, greater pedal
force required to slow or stop, and activation of the Brake
Warning light and the ABS light during brake use.
Rear Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System — (If
Equipped)
This Anti-Lock Brake System provides increased vehicle
stability and brake performance under most braking
conditions. The system automatically controls the opera-
tion of the rear brakes to prevent rear wheel lockup.The system remains operational in the four-wheel drive
mode. The level of performance is reduced when the
front brakes are locked up. This will cause the rear brakes
to lock-up through the drivetrain, which may reduce the
effectiveness of the anti-lock system.
During severe braking conditions, particularly with
changing road surfaces, such as ice to concrete, a slight
drop or minor pulsation may be felt in the brake pedal.
WARNING!
Both Anti-Lock Brake Systems contain sophisticated
electronic equipment. It may be susceptible to inter-
ference caused by improperly installed or high out-
put radio transmitting equipment. This interference
can cause possible loss of anti-lock braking capabil-
ity. Installation of such equipment should be done
by qualified professionals.
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Four-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System — If
Equipped
This Anti-Lock Brake System is designed to aid the driver
in maintaining vehicle control under adverse braking
conditions. The system operates with a separate com-
puter to modulate hydraulic pressure to prevent wheel
lock-up and help avoid skidding on slippery surfaces.
The system’s pump motor runs during an ABS stop to
provide regulated hydraulic pressure. The pump motor
makes a low humming noise during operation, which is
normal.
The Anti-Lock Brake System includes an amber ABS
warning light. When the light is illuminated, the Anti-
Lock Brake System is not functioning. The system reverts
to standard non-anti-lock brakes. Turning the ignition
OFF and ON again may reset the Anti-Lock Brake System
if the fault detected was only momentary.
WARNING!
Pumping of the Anti-Lock Brakes will diminish
their effectiveness and may lead to an accident.
Pumping makes the stopping distance longer. Just
press firmly on your brake pedal when you need to
slow down or stop.
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